8 May 2025

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and I find myself missing three remarkable women who played an invaluable role in my life’s journey.

One of them is Sue Givot, who embraced me when I was just 15 and remained a constant presence in my life until her recent passing. Sue and her husband were deeply involved in the youth organization (USY), which I was fortunate to be part of. Through them, I formed lasting friendships with their daughters, Debbie and Jodi—connections that have endured for over 60 years, despite the physical distance between us.

Even across miles, we stayed close, regularly exchanging letters through snail mail. Sue never failed to remind me of the special bond we shared, a connection that has remained a cherished part of my life.

My mother-in-law, Loretta Hale, was more than just family—she was my friend, my second mom. From the very first day we met, she accepted me wholeheartedly, and together we shared so many cherished moments. She defied the stereotypical mother-in-law role, offering unconditional support and friendship. She never judged, but when needed, she provided gentle, motherly advice.

During a difficult period with my own mother, Loretta reminded me that I was loved—something she knew firsthand, as she and my mom had built a beautiful relationship of their own. Her kindness and presence were a gift, and I will always be grateful.

The last Mother’s Day I shared with my mom, Dorothy Friedman Moss—D’Vasha—was nine years ago. As people often say, if I had known it would be our last, maybe I would have spent more time with her or chosen a more meaningful gift. But the truth is, we rarely recognize “the last time” until it has already passed.

There are countless sayings about living life to the fullest and embracing happiness, yet amid the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, we often move through moments—sometimes even the most precious ones—without truly realizing their significance.

This year I was able to celebrate Mother’s Day with my first born, Steve, early.  The time we spent together was simple, sweet, and wonderful.  I enjoy the company of my sons, and I appreciate the time we spend together and the communication we have throughout the year.

This weekend, I’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day with my youngest, Alex. We’ll be traveling to his new home and exploring the beauty of Kentucky together. Alex has invited me to stay on while my husband returns for work, and whether I decide to extend my visit or not, I’m deeply grateful that he wants to spend more time with me.

This post is not meant to diminish anyone’s experience, especially for those who find this weekend filled with sadness and grief. For many, Mother’s Day carries a heavy weight—particularly for those who have lost children through miscarriage, illness, or death.

I remember my first Mother’s Day after the loss of a deeply wanted pregnancy. In my pain, I unintentionally allowed my sorrow to overshadow the day for my mother and mother-in-law. It’s a moment I cannot take back, but I can honor that experience by continuing to grow—choosing kindness, grace, and a gentler approach in the way I move forward.

To my friends and acquaintances who are Not Moms—whether by choice or circumstance—please know that this day is for you too. So many of you have stepped into roles as surrogate moms, teachers, caregivers, and mentors, offering love, guidance, and support to children in countless ways.

Your kindness, dedication, and the impact you make deserve to be celebrated. Today, and every day, your presence matters.

And if Mother’s Day isn’t something you’re celebrating this year, why not celebrate my brother Joel’s 79th birthday instead?

For years, he shared this special day with our Aunt Lieba, and now, he celebrates surrounded by his wife TL, his daughter and grandchildren, and the incredible music community of Saratoga Springs.

So, sing a song, sing it loud, and most importantly—CELEBRATE!

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8 February 2025

It’s not quite 6 weeks from my shoulder humerus surgery and it feels as if this road to recovery is exceptionally long.  According to my doctors and therapist I need to be patient and celebrate each movement, like typing.  With activity and therapy, I will regain range of motion, but it will take time and each movement and exercise I do will be uncomfortable until I gain the strengthen and healing occurs.  I have been told that my recovery can take 6- 12 – 18 months or more.  I have been reminded to be patient (not my best feature) and to do my exercises.  Therapy may be needed for some time as it is important the exercises are performed correctly for the should and arm to recover.

Prior to the fracture I had a torn rotator cuff and that was repaired at the time of surgery so I have additional issues that need to recover, and I must listen to my body.

Listening to my body has caused an interruption in my work schedule.  Although I work independently and from home, even a podcasts have been cancelled and rescheduled in order for me to provide selfcare which will eventually help in healing my repaired injuries.  It may appear to others that there is nothing to podcasting, but it is all the work that goes into the production and release that increases my pain level, and I need to stop and take time for recovery.  If you know me, you know this is not an easy task for me.

This Saturday afternoon I have been working on and off since 10 am this morning.  Normally what I have accomplished would have been down in 30 – 40 minutes but I do not have the stamina for what I have set out to do.  I am learning to give myself permission I message I share with my Coaching Clients.  I understand the want (and need) to make changes and complete tasks but sometimes it is necessary to accept what we can and cannot change (at least at the moment).

6 weeks is actually a baby step in the recovery process and the Chronic Pain / Discomfort I am experiencing may not be visual to you.  I am good at masking my pain, but I know it is best if I STOP and just allow the process to slow down.  So, I am reaching out to you to please be patient with me and understand I will continue to do what I can when I can, but it may not meet your expectations.  I need to be OK with that.

This journey has made me more empathetic towards others and if you need someone to guide you through your changes, reach out, I am here.

#YESICAN coaching with Karen
[email protected]
https://newclevelandradio.net/yesican-a-personal-coaching-journey/

440 526 1530

We all travel through life trying to be the best at something.  Sadly some of us get caught up in being the best for someone else or at least in the image they identify us with.  If we are unsure of our own thoughts and feelings it is possible to drift through life never understanding who we are as an individual.

As someone who search for her identity for more than 1/2 my years on earth I can share with you allowing myself to feel and venture down a path of discovery has  been a the greatest gift I have recieved in my life, and I gave it to myself.

I did not have to wait for that magical gift wrapped package with the perfect bow and presentation to connect with my happiness.  I accept the reality that happiness is not a destination in fact it is a work in progress and sometimes sadness propelled by negativity takes me out of the place I want to be on my journey.  However, as a podcaster and life coach I have developed the tools to make the adjustments I need to create the mood I need at the moment.

I remember a time when I was around 9 years old.  My Baube, my grandmother, had just died and we were sitting Shiva, the Jewish Memorial for the passing of a loved one.  Since I knew this was a sad time I didn’t understand how my mother and her two sisters sat together telling stories and laughing.  I was angry and confused, my Baube had just died and they were laughing how could that be right.  I remember going to my mother’s side crying and asking her to stop laughing and smiling.  My Aunite Annie explained in a sweet and quiet tone, that we needed to cherish the good and happy memories of Baube.  It’s not that we weren’t sad but there were so many things that Baube said and did that will always bring smiles and giggles to our faces!  That was my first lesson in understanding that if you look for the positive you will find it.

When my mother passed away even in her eulogy we offered up snipets of her humor and the memories that even as we laid her to rest brought happy thoughts into our spirit that still lives on for me today.

My journey, my words and the creation of tools to help me live my best life is what I offer to you thorugh podcasting and life coaching.

#YESICAN coaching with Karen
[email protected]
https://newclevelandradio.net/yesican-a-personal-coaching-journey/

440 526 1530

11/11/24

Well, today was a day to revisit the website to make some changes and provide our visitors with the information they are looking for.  Any suggestions please email:  [email protected]

Bravo – Alex Bevan and the Akron Symphony what a marvelous performance last evening at EJ Thomas Hall (in Akron, Ohio).

Approximately seven years ago I met Alex along with Jim Ballard, John Mosey, and Charlie Weiner, all talented Northeast Ohio musicians.  They have teamed up and worked together as well as individually in this area and beyond.  Last night Jim, John, and Charlie (amongst other musicians from the area) as well as my husband and I, were entertained not just with the music but the bantering between Alex and Eric (Conductor of the Akron Symphony).

I spotted Jim and Charlie in the audience, and I had the chance to talk briefly with John and my heart was soaring because these four men lead me in the direction of meeting so many talented individuals in my community, known by many outside the community.

The music last night was Bevan’s “Watersongs” album to life and together with this magnificent orchestra magic was made.

Check out:  https://alexbevan.com/music

Thank you, Alex, for providing me with a wonderful memory through your music.

I am not sure why The Panther City Lacrosse Team does not pull in fans!  I have been an Avid Fan since I was introduced to the team and the game.  Although I do not live in Texas, I support this team via social media, and I watch their games on ESPN+.  “Lacrosse has its origins in a tribal game played by eastern Woodlands Native Americans and by some Plains Indians tribes in what is now the United States of America and Canada. The game was extensively modified by European settlers to create its current collegiate and professional form.”  This sport is played in high schools nationwide and is a major sport in many colleges.  So why aren’t we more onboard?

The Panther City Lacrosse Team is a fairly young team to the Fort Worth area beginning their season in 2021.  They are a group of young professional men putting their hearts and souls into this sport and I want to see the community stand up and support them.  Going to a Panther City Game is affordable for most families.  I know the Forth Worth, Arlington, and Dallas have other major sports teams as well, but they are not as affordable for families to attend.  The game of lacrosse is fast paced and exciting and I must say when I was visiting Texas in December, I felt like a kid sitting in the stands cheering this team on.  I have not missed a game watching from my home in Ohio on ESPN+.

So here I am challenging the community in Fort Worth and the surrounding area to join in the fun.  The next game is Sunday, March 3^rd 3 pm EST /2 pm CST.  They will be on the road after that returning to Dickies Arena on Friday, March 22^nd 8pm EST/ 7 pm CST.  On April 7, a Sunday afternoon game at 4 pm EST/ 3 pm CST & Sunday, April 14^th which will be an early evening game at 5pm EST/ 4 pm CST.  (This is the last Season Home Game for 2024.)  So don’t wait, get out there see what all the excitement is and become a FAN TODAY!

https://www.panthercitylax.com/

#YESICAN coaching with Karen

[email protected]

440 526 1530